WSR announces “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” Casting Opening Sept 16 at Raue Center
On September 16, WSR brings the wit of Steve Martin to the stage at downtown Crystal Lake’s Raue Center For The Arts. The long-running Off-Broadway absurdist comedy “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” runs from September 16 – October 23.
This hilarious and thought-provoking play places two 20-somethings named Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian café in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism.
Bystanders, including Picasso’s agent, the bartender and his mistress, Picasso’s date, an elderly philosopher, and Charles Dabernow Schmendiman, an idiot inventor, introduce additional flourishes of humor to the show. The final surprise patron to join the merriment at the Lapin Agile is a charismatic dark-haired singer time warped in from a later era.
In his first comedy for the stage, Martin plays fast and loose with fact, fame and fortune as the two geniuses muse on the century’s achievements and other fanciful topics with infectious dizziness.
WSR’s production of “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” is directed by Joe Lehmen and features:
Joel Bennett as Freddy
Frank Gaughan (WSR ensemble member) as Gaston
Amanda Flahive* (WSR ensemble member) as Germaine
Evan Cullinan as Albert Einstein
Miriam Naponelli as Suzanne/The Countess/Female Admirer
Mark R. Mahallak* (WSR ensemble member) as Sagot
Ryan Duncan as Pablo Picasso
Thomas Squires as Charles Dabernow Schmendiman
Danny Miller as A Visitor (Elvis)
WSR’s production of Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” opens September 16, 2016 at Raue Center and runs select dates through October 23. For more information, visit wsrep.org.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Founding Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda, SDC
Production Stage Manager: Caitlin I. Quinn
Producing Director: Mike Vandercook
Company Manager: Kate Wilford
Marketing Director: Melissa Thomfohrda
Marketing Manager: Michele V. Knight
Raue Center offers special seating arrangements and hearing devices for patrons with disabilities. Please call the box office at 815.356.9212 to make arrangements prior to the performance.
Raue Center Box Office | 815.356.9212 | 12 to 4p | Mon-Sat | Open Sundays on performance days 1 hour prior to performance.
www.rauecenter.org
About Williams Street Repertory:
Williams Street Repertory is a non-profit theatre company located in the wonderful town of Crystal Lake, Illinois. Over the past 6 years, WSR has built a reputation for artistic excellence as one of Illinois’ leading producing theatres. WSR is dedicated to sustaining an artistic process of innovative and emotionally charged work, telling diverse stories, and creating an in-house production company of well-respected artists. Since opening, WSR has presented more than 18 productions with a wide range of appeal: from Chicago premieres to international debuts to holiday favorites. In 2016, WSR entered into a contract with Actors Equity Association, making WSR the only professional theater company in McHenry County. Williams Street Rep is dedicated to its mission of producing diverse and emotionally charged stories that deepen the cultural richness of our community and our region. WSR was made possible through support provided by Susen Håakansson Berg and James C. Berg, the City of Crystal Lake, ComEd, McHenry County Community Foundation and Epic Repertory Theater Company. For additional information, visit wsrep.org.
About Raue Center For The Arts:
Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 15 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theaters, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of theatre restoration in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter and twitter.com/RaueCenter.